Several years ago there was a visiting bishop with us for worship at our Church Street sanctuary. If you're reading this blog but have never been to Evangelical Lutheran Church, you've probably noticed from the photos that the place is filled with history.
The current sanctuary is 150+ years old and also served as a Civil War hospital after Antietam. On May 28, 1800, John and Abigail Adams visited the church and addressed the people of Frederick in what was the limestone church. In fact, the congregation was founded when George Washington was only 6 years old.
Anyway, as we prepared to enter the sanctuary for worship, the visiting bishop seemed to take in the enormity of ELC's place in American history and as he led a pre-service prayer (as is our custom before entering the sanctuary), he prayed,
"Lord, we are so grateful that today we can come here to this beautiful place and worship you in freedom--because we know there are many who cannot do that where they are today."
Among the many, many blessings we count as the United States of America celebrates Independence Day on July 4th, we should pause to thank God for this gift. Many have sacrificed so that we can worship our Savior with the freedom that, I believe, reflects His grace for the world.
If you're in Frederick for the 4th, stop by the sanctuary and lift a prayer. The doors will be open from 2 to 8 pm. Someone will greet you with a smile. You may pray for peace, for those serving far from home this 4th, for God to help all the nations of the world (indeed He loves all people!), or for this gift of religious freedom.
The truth is that if you are reading these words, God loves you. May that knowledge bring you joy.
Happy 4th of July!
Pastor Dave+
Picnics say a lot...
Here in Maryland we're in picnic season. This is surely so at Evangelical Lutheran Church, and as a pastor I've attended several lately. The weather and the food have been great, but even more so is the statement these events can make about a place.
1) ELC's Wee Folk School (our pre-school) held their annual picnic at Staley Park. The image was that of a couple hundred kids on the playground, running, laughing--basically doing what adults should do more often! With moms, dads, grandparents, and teachers, we then shared a meal. It was a great event AND it says that Evangelical is a place that cares about kids. We take seriously the Call to teach the children about the love of Jesus. It's reflected in our Wee Folk program, our partnership in the Trinity School of Frederick, our Sunday School, our summer Vacation Bible School, and the ongoing $1.9 million renovation of our Frederick Sunday School building. I'm glad we're a place that cares.
2) Gordon and Teri generously opened their home for a special spring picnic. Kids? Nope--not at this one. These children of God move a bit more slowly, but their smiles and warmth brought that same sense of joy I saw at Staley Park. This picnic was for homebound members of the congregation. Older folks, ranging from their 70's to almost 100, with physical ailments and issues that keep them from doing the things they used to do--the things they love the most. At Evangelical we care about our homebound members (and many who aren't even members). We have teams take communion to them. We take them videotapes of worship services and bulletins if they want them. And now we have a picnic so they can enjoy their church family and share the Lord's Supper together in Gordon and Teri's back yard. I'm glad ELC is a place that cares.
3) The 17th annual Twin Spires Open Golf Tournament (best ball format). Lots of players (most of us are hackers)--but the winners (at 7 under par) won a
trophy, as did the losing team. The golf was fun, but the picnic, hosted by the council president and his family, was even better! Burgers, beans, and recounting glorious shots from the day--fellowship in Christ where people grew in friendship. Days like this help to anchor folks more deeply in their Christian family--a partial vision of the Kingdom, one might even say. I'm glad Evangelical is a place where people care.
And most importantly, God, through the gift of the Church, provides many, many such places. If you're reading these words, know that God loves you. He might change your life through a congregation that cares and shares loving fellowship like I've mentioned above. If you live close to Evangelical (Frederick or Urbana), I invite you to share some time with us. If you're reading from somewhere else, I encourage you to see where the Spirit may want you to worship and find friendship and strength. It will change your life!
Pastor Dave+
If you have checked out
www.twinspires.org before you're probably noticing that the site has a new look. Our previous webmaster did an awesome job making ELC look good on line--and now through the generosity of Dr. Chang's communications class at Hood College we have a new look and even more features for communication with you. Thanks, Hood class--you have been fantastic! And communication is the key. God's people are to be about communicating news. Good news! The best news! Christ is alive and He offers us hope and meaning in this world. Christ is alive and he loves every person who is reading these words (and those who are not). Christ is alive and the best thing we can do is worship him and follow in paths of love, service, and grace. That's what Evangelical Lutheran Church is all about.
Thanks for checking out the new site. I plan to write now and then, and I hope you stop back. If you live in Frederick or Urbana, I invite you to worship God with us and allow us to hear your story.
Blessings,
Pastor Dave+